Abstract – Oaks (Quercus) are ecological keystone species and are the most important economic component of timber markets in much of eastern North America. These species have been difficult to naturally regenerate despite decades of research and management. Most recommendations for artificial oak regeneration (e.g., planting) were derived from research on relatively low quality sites where species composition are predictably more favorable for certain species of oak. However, artificial regeneration has been largely unsuccessful as site quality increases or where deer herbivory is significant. Unfortunately, in terms of sustaining high value stands, the most preferred species generally occur on better sites. We are currently developing and testing recommendations for artificial regeneration on post-harvest sites with moderate to high productivity. We will examine key factors expected to improve success of artificial regeneration, such as maintaining a genetically diverse seed source that is locally adapted, genetic improvement of seedlings, using advanced nursery technology, and implementing silvicultural treatments in the initial and intermediate stages of stand development. These considerations, individually, are not novel, but have been rarely integrated in a single approach, and as a composite, lack the rigorous testing and refinements required to ensure a satisfactory degree of predictability and success for artificial oak regeneration on higher quality sites. In addition, we are conducting research on methods to remove bias associated with seedling deployment in commonly used experimental designs. We are also testing new morphological seedling characteristics and operational methods to help identify and select high-quality seedlings that are practical to field managers.